Expo looks to explore growth of Sappi’s paper and pulp offerings

Sappi, the country’s pulp, and paper heavyweight recorded a strong performance in the quarter ending in March 31 – the second quarter of its 2022 financial year.

The company was able to remain steadfast to improve earnings by 201% year-on-year and by 40% quarter-on-quarter to $337 million. The Saiccor Mill in KwaZulu-Natal produces a world-class product where sound technology and infrastructure meet the demands of the global community. This growth has meant that the company’s Project Vulindlela, a multi-billion-rand expansion project to boost Saiccor Mill’s dissolving pulp (DP) capacity by 110,000 tons per annum is well underway.

Situated 50km south of the port of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the mill is one of the production facilities for Sappi Dissolving Pulp. The mill has the capacity to produce approximately 800,000 tons of elemental chlorine free (ECF) dissolving pulp (DP) per annum-mostly for the export market. Unlike many synthetic raw materials, the product supplied by Sappi Dissolving Pulp is produced from a natural and renewable resource. The timber consumption of Saiccor Mill and Ngodwana Mills is comprised primarily of eucalyptus hardwoods. These fast-growing trees are grown in relatively close proximity to the mills, which contribute to the business’ position as a competitive producer of dissolving pulp.

Next month, the MTE Sappi Saiccor 2022 event takes place which will give a bird’s eye view on the operations at the plant as well as provide a platform for businesses and suppliers servicing SAPPI an invaluable opportunity to interact and network with each other. These events see hundreds of key individuals from the area’s industrial sector in attendance. The MTE events take place throughout the country and parts of Africa with one of the main aims being to nurture the mining and related industries by providing up-to-date information and to shed light on developments affecting the sector.

Operations Manager for MTE, Andrew Macnamara said that the past 24 months had been challenging for the country’s mining and industrial operations, but he was optimistic for the fast-approaching future. “Covid-19 has definitely had long-lasting effects on many industries across the globe. Despite these challenges, Africa’s tenacity and unity during these challenging times have proven strong and as we navigate through these uncertain times, I am certain that all industries will recover tenfold. At the upcoming MTE events, we will see, among other things, what improved safety protocols can be seen in Africa and SA and we will also provide the platform for visitors to interact with those in the industry who have overcome such challenges,” he said.

RS Components South Africa will also be present at the MTE Sappi Saiccor event and will be showcasing some of the latest safety equipment, tools, and other offerings from the world’s most respected brands. Mellisa Govender, Marketing Director for RS said that the event not only highlights the growing industry in the area, but it also helps to connect with customers more closely.

“These MTE events provide an opportunity for us to share the latest industrial technologies and solutions that could help improve and maintain operations. The great thing is that at RS South Africa, we have over 650 000 products across 2500 global brands that can easily be ordered online and delivered direct to a customer anywhere in the country. At this year’s event, we will be showcasing, amongst other solutions, our private label brand, RS Pro – which has expanded from hand tools and automation & control equipment to include electrical products now also, personal protection gear and test & measurement devices all of which are vital for any industrial operation,” said Govender.

MTE Sappi Saiccor is free to attend and takes place on 7 June 2022 in Sappi SAICCOR Mill from 12:00 to 16:30.

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